There's loads of talent going to waste in the Championships isn't there? That's why the quota was brought in!

Quality of the competition isn't fixed though - if the standard drops a bit (which it will a bit I reckon as the imports decrease in quality and the export of our best increases in volume), then there are more players good enough to play SL. That's the magic of market forces.

I am maybe a little negative here but with the NRL almost doubling their salary cap, Rugby Union being able to tempt some bright youngsters over to their sport yet the money coming in to our league doesn't seem to be changing all too much. As stated two clubs this last off season went bust and obviously the strains of running a rugby club is clear when our own club is losing massive amounts year on year.

Now I'm not saying Sky should be responsible or should pay over the odds for the sport but with no sponsor announced and clubs suffering, is 18m a year really the best deal that could have been struck? It is up from 16.66m per year for the past 3yrs so that is nice however I just can't help but feel a 5yr deal is too long at that amount.

Also

Agree entirely on your last point.

Yes, I can imagine the logistical nightmare of having to fit in one more round of matches

It is't as simple as that.
Who receives the week off for minillium (sp) 15 teams = weeks off left right and centre.
15 teams x 27 league games = a nightmare for the fixture makers.

16 teams it is then, either Wakey are out or fax are in.
Will the RFL bottle the decision?

haha Sorry about the Also, I typed it but then deleted it for some reason! Hazards of posting on a nightshift!!!

As for who would miss out on the Millenium weekend - The World Club Challenge should be on the Friday night then have the rest of the games Saturday and Sunday, get a proper good long weekend of rugby. Yes the champions would lose one of their bye weekends but thats the price they'd pay for winning the grand final, I'm sure they wouldn't mind too much!

Probably best to think something through before jumping in with a clever remark.

Whatever